What to Expect from Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins

ByVeinSolutions

If you and your vascular specialist have decided that Endovenous Laser Therapy (EVLT) is the right treatment for your varicose veins, you’re making an excellent choice. EVLT is a minimally invasive, highly effective procedure for treating varicose veins, offering a faster recovery time, less pain, and a reduced risk of the veins reappearing compared to traditional surgery. EVLT boasts a success rate of around 93%, making it a popular and trusted option for varicose vein treatment.

In this updated guide, we’ll explain what to expect on the day of your procedure and during your recovery so you feel fully prepared.

What to Expect from Laser Treatment for Varicose Veins - Vein Solutions

 

Endovenous Laser Therapy Procedure

EVLT is a modern alternative to the more invasive surgical method known as vein stripping, which involves physically removing the vein under general anaesthetic. EVLT, by contrast, is performed under local anaesthesia, making the experience much more comfortable for the patient and the recovery significantly faster.

When you arrive for the procedure, a local anaesthetic will be injected into the treated area, usually in the thigh. This numbs the area, ensuring you won’t feel pain during the procedure. The anaesthetic is administered using a fine needle, so discomfort is minimal, and you’ll remain awake.

Once the area is numb, your surgeon will make a tiny incision in the leg, through which a catheter (a thin, flexible tube) will be inserted. A fibre-optic laser is then passed through the catheter and guided along the length of the vein. The laser delivers heat energy, which causes the vein walls to collapse and seal shut. Over time, the body naturally absorbs the treated vein, and blood is redirected to healthier veins.

In some cases, smaller varicose veins may be removed physically through avulsion. This involves making tiny incisions to remove the veins, which are then covered with adhesive strips. If avulsion is part of your treatment plan, your doctor will discuss this with you beforehand.

Because EVLT is minimally invasive, it’s typically performed in an outpatient facility, and the procedure itself usually takes between 30 minutes and one hour per leg. Including preparation and recovery time, you should expect to spend only a few hours at the clinic.

 

Preparing for Your EVLT Procedure

There is no need for fasting or complex preparation before your EVLT procedure. You’ll need to arrive at the scheduled time wearing comfortable clothing. It’s recommended that you bring a robe or gown, as you’ll be asked to walk around shortly after the procedure. Before the treatment begins, your legs will be measured for the compression stockings you must wear during recovery.

The procedure will begin after a final consultation with your medical team and signing a consent form.

 

After Your EVLT Procedure

Once the laser treatment is complete, compression pads will be placed over the tiny incisions, and a compression stocking will be fitted over the treated leg (or legs). These stockings help to improve circulation and reduce swelling during the healing process.

If you’ve had avulsion as part of your treatment, a compression bandage will be applied first and later replaced by your compression stockings at a follow-up appointment with a nurse.

You’ll be encouraged to take a 20-minute walk around the clinic immediately after the procedure, which is why having a robe or gown with you is helpful. This walk helps to stimulate blood flow and prevent complications. After your medical team confirms everything went smoothly, you can go home.

 

Recovery After EVLT

Following your EVLT procedure, you may experience some mild discomfort, but this can usually be managed with an over-the-counter painkiller such as paracetamol. You should also expect minor bruising or a tingling sensation around the treated area, but these effects should subside within a few days.

Here are some recovery guidelines to follow:

  • Wear your compression stockings around the clock for the first 7-14 days. After this period, you’ll need to wear them during the day for an additional five weeks, but you can remove them at night or wash them.
  • Walk regularly to promote circulation. Aim for at least three 20-minute walks per day. Walking is essential to the success of the treatment and helps prevent blood clots.
  • Avoid baths or showers until you’ve been given the go-ahead to remove your compression stockings, typically after 7-14 days. A sponge bath is fine, but keep the treated area dry.
  • Manage minor bleeding by applying pressure over the compression stocking and elevating your leg if you notice a small amount of bleeding at the incision sites. This is normal and should stop within a few minutes.
  • Refrain from driving for at least two weeks after the procedure, as the treatment may affect your ability to drive safely.
  • Avoid flying for about six weeks post-treatment to reduce the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT).

 

Long-Term Considerations

Complications after EVLT are rare, but awareness of potential issues is important. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience persistent bleeding, excessive pain, or signs of infection, such as warmth, redness, or swelling around the treated area.

Side effects, though still relatively rare, are more common, including mild bruising, redness, or a “pins-and-needles” sensation around the treated area. These symptoms generally fade within a couple of days, but in some cases, they may last up to two weeks.

You will have a follow-up appointment with your doctor about six weeks after the procedure to review the results and ensure that the treated veins have responded well.

 

Why EVLT?

EVLT has become a widely recommended treatment for varicose veins due to its high success rate and minimally invasive nature.

Less invasive than surgery:
EVLT does not require general anaesthesia or large incisions, offering a more comfortable experience with a faster recovery time.

High success rate:
EVLT is effective in approximately 93% of cases, providing long-term relief from varicose veins with a low risk of recurrence.

Minimal downtime:
Most patients can return to normal activities within a few days of the procedure.

 

EVLT with Vein Solutions

Vein Solutions offers private treatment and consultation for varicose veins, including EVLT, at the following locations:

If you’re considering EVLT for varicose veins or have questions about the procedure, schedule a consultation with one of our vascular specialists to explore your options and begin your journey towards healthier veins.

 

Related Articles